The fight to stamp out anti-social behaviour has taken another step forward.

Sutton Community Wardens have successfully reduced disruption in the Saltersgill area of Middlesbrough. Now they are hoping to repeat their success in neighbouring Easterside.

William Sutton Housing Association decided to fund three wardens to work in Saltersgill when teenagers began to terrorise the estate.

Two years ago the Gazette reported how, during a night of violence, marauding gangs ripped out garden fences to use as weapons in running battles.

Other incidents included assaults on police. On one occasion children were shot at with a BB gun.

The wardens - Steve Westwood, Tom Gatley and Linda Irvin - have managed to reduce anti-social behaviour by providing activities for young people and working to help older people feel safer.

Now the housing association has provided further funding for a new part-time warden, so they can begin working in Easterside.

The team will focus on reducing burglaries and robberies by encouraging more residents to join Neighbourhood Watch, carrying out home security surveys and giving crime prevention advice.

Carl Doolan, area manager at William Sutton Housing Association, said: "This is fantastic news for the residents of Easterside. We know from the feedback of residents at Saltersgill what an impact the community wardens can have."

Earlier this year the three wardens won two awards at the first North East Warden Awards. Last month the team was awarded a distinction under the Government's NRU Warden Quality Standard.

Scheme manager Mr Westwood said: "We are pleased to know that the work in Saltersgill has been recognised by other agencies."